Pome fruit growers are predicting an average export crop for the year ahead with a 6% increase estimated for apples and a 3% decline for pears, according to industry body, Hortgro.
“Colour development and pack-outs look promising at this stage. It is only the size and colour of early pears that have been negatively affected by the heatwave experienced during mid-January. This is due to young orchards coming into production as well as the Ceres region returning to a normal crop,” Hortgro said.
The horticultural growers’ association added that although good crops were expected, sufficient rainfall was needed..
“The situation will be monitored on a regular basis and relevant adjustments will be published from time to time as the season unfolds.” – Zoë van Rooyen
